Talking Donkeys, Freedom of Choice, and the Wisdom of Shrek
Former Torah MiTzion Shaliach in Cape Town (1997–1998); currently a senior conversion instructor in the Nativ program.
Most of you have likely heard of the global hit movie Shrek. Released in 2001, it tells the story of an ogre—an unlikely hero—and became a cultural sensation. What makes Shrek truly remarkable, in my view, is not just its humor or animation, but its deep moral message.
For once, Hollywood gave us a film that pushes back against superficial beauty standards. Gone are the airbrushed heroes and stick-thin heroines. Instead, we meet ugly protagonists with kind hearts and real emotions. It’s an almost educational portrayal of self-acceptance and authenticity.
One of Shrek’s most beloved characters is Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy—a talking donkey full of personality and heart. But long before Shrek, the Torah introduced the first talking donkey, in this week’s parasha, Parashat Balak.
The Biblical Donkey That Spoke the Truth
In Parashat Balak, we read about Bilam, a prophet summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Fearing Israel’s power after its miraculous victories and the exodus from Egypt, Balak sought a different kind of weapon: not swords or armies, but words—a spiritual curse.
Bilam, though a prophet, was driven by greed. He asked G-d for permission to go, and was initially denied. But when Balak sent a second, more prestigious delegation promising riches and honor, Bilam pressed again. This time, G-d allowed him to go, but only on the condition that he speak only what G-d commands.
Curiously, the Torah tells us that G-d became angry with Bilam as he began his journey—raising a profound question: Why would G-d allow him to go and then become upset about it?
As Bilam travels, mounted on his loyal donkey, an angel of G-d blocks the path—invisible to Bilam, but clearly seen by the donkey. Trying to avoid the angel’s sword, the donkey veers off, crushing Bilam’s foot against a wall and then collapsing. In his frustration, Bilam beats the animal repeatedly.
And then, the miracle happens—the donkey opens its mouth and speaks:
“What have I done to you that you have struck me these three times?” (Numbers 22:28)
They have a short yet powerful exchange, after which the angel reveals himself to Bilam. Bilam, stunned, says:
“I have sinned… If this is wrong in Your eyes, I will return.”
Freedom of Choice and the Path We Choose
This strange episode leads our sages to an important lesson, summarized in the Midrash:
“In the way a person wishes to go, they are led.” (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:12)
In other words, G-d allows us to walk the path we choose—for better or worse. G-d gave Bilam permission not because it was the right thing to do, but because Bilam’s desire was so strong, he was committed to that course of action. And so, G-d allowed it.
This is the principle of free will, a cornerstone of Jewish thought. G-d does not coerce us into righteousness; He gives us space to make choices—and live with their consequences.
Self-Deception and Moral Clarity
A second insight comes from the book Parasha U’Pshara:
Bilam, despite being a prophet and knowing G-d’s will, still believed he could manipulate the situation to serve his own interests. This is willful self-deception—an example of someone fleeing from his own truth.
It’s a warning to all of us: We can knowingly act against what is right, not because we’re unaware, but because we convince ourselves that we can get away with it. Like Bilam, we may chase honor or comfort and lose our moral footing.
That’s why it’s crucial to constantly reassess our path. The signs that we’re going astray aren’t always obvious. We must be vigilant not to cheat ourselves—spiritually, ethically, or emotionally—and instead stay rooted in the values we know are true.
And Yes—Enjoy Shrek
So what connects Bilam’s donkey to Shrek‘s Donkey?
Both remind us that truth can come from unexpected places, and that honor and beauty aren’t always found where we expect them. Shrek teaches us to value substance over style, and the Torah teaches us to pursue righteousness over recognition.
So yes—enjoy Shrek and its sequels. But also remember the deeper truth from Parashat Balak: We all have a path to choose, and it’s up to us to ensure it’s the right one.
